Deep in the jungle of Central Java, Indonesia, a bird-shaped building called Bukit Rhema stands tall above the treetops.
Deep in the jungle of Central Java, Indonesia, a bird-shaped building called Bukit Rhema stands tall above the treetops.
Eko Susanto
Built in 1992 by Daniel Alamsjah, a Christian who claimed his work was inspired by a vision from God, the structure is not technically a church, but a "prayer house for all nations," according to its <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbukitrhema.com%2Fid%2Ftentang-kami" target="_blank" target="_blank">official website</a>.
Built in 1992 by Daniel Alamsjah, a Christian who claimed his work was inspired by a vision from God, the structure is not technically a church, but a "prayer house for all nations," according to its official website.
Muhammad Nurudin
The building was featured in Werner Herzog's 2016 documentary "Into the Volcano."
The building was featured in Werner Herzog's 2016 documentary "Into the Volcano."
Eko Susanto
Bukit Rhema, otherwise known as gereja ayam, was initially envisioned to look like a dove.
Bukit Rhema, otherwise known as gereja ayam, was initially envisioned to look like a dove.
Eko Susanto
It was built in 1992 by Daniel Alamsjah who envisioned it to be a "prayer house for all nations."
It was built in 1992 by Daniel Alamsjah who envisioned it to be a "prayer house for all nations."
Muhammad Nurudin
The church has 7 stories, with each floor depicting spiritual stories, the meaning of prayer, the power of miracles and local wisdom.
The church has 7 stories, with each floor depicting spiritual stories, the meaning of prayer, the power of miracles and local wisdom.
Eko Susanto
Bukit Rhema is envisioned to be a "prayer house for all nations."
Bukit Rhema is envisioned to be a "prayer house for all nations."
Eko Susanto
Ranging in influence from traditional Indonesian design to Western movements like Art Deco and neoclassicism, Indonesia's churches not only tell the story of the country's relationship with Christianity but also of its centuries-old fate as a colonized nation.
Ranging in influence from traditional Indonesian design to Western movements like Art Deco and neoclassicism, Indonesia's churches not only tell the story of the country's relationship with Christianity but also of its centuries-old fate as a colonized nation.
Eko Susanto
Dutch Protestantism loomed large in Indonesia, with missionary societies helping to spread the religion across its chain of islands.
Dutch Protestantism loomed large in Indonesia, with missionary societies helping to spread the religion across its chain of islands.
Eko Susanto
Although Christianity was never able to challenge the dominance of Islam, which arrived in the region during the 14th century, the colonists left their mark on the country's architecture -- and not just of churches themselves.
Although Christianity was never able to challenge the dominance of Islam, which arrived in the region during the 14th century, the colonists left their mark on the country's architecture -- and not just of churches themselves.
Eko Susanto
By the late 19th century, the idea of fusing local and Western designs had developed into a unique architectural movement known as New Indies Style.
By the late 19th century, the idea of fusing local and Western designs had developed into a unique architectural movement known as New Indies Style.
Muhammad Nurudin
The style is characterized by European designs that have been adjusted for the Indonesian climate.
The style is characterized by European designs that have been adjusted for the Indonesian climate.
Eko Susanto
Architects, both local and foreign, who had trained in Europe started bringing new ideas to Asia, and the profession flourished.
Architects, both local and foreign, who had trained in Europe started bringing new ideas to Asia, and the profession flourished.
Eko Susanto
The variance found among Indonesia's churches is testament to the cultural melting pot that the country has become.
The variance found among Indonesia's churches is testament to the cultural melting pot that the country has become.